Did some research and writing some sample programs to do more advanced screen I/O processing. Have done very basic Display/Accept. Need to learn to use the Screen Section for more advanced screen handling. In general my gnuCOBOL programs basically use the old IBM COBOL, I learned many years ago and don't take advantage of the abilities of modern commercial COBOL compilers. Which according to my research...gnuCOBOL implements a substantial portion of COBOL 85 , supports many of the advances and clarifications of COBOL 2002 , and includes many extensions in common use from Micro Focus COBOL, ACUCOBOL and other existent compilers.
This is especially true since, IBM COBOL uses CICS (which I haven't used in many many years) for screen I/O...to the best of my knowledge. Also CICS isn't available for legal use in MVS COBOL running under Hercules. There is something called KICKS which is an enhancement for CMS & TSO on IBM mainframes (or emulators) that supposedly is CICS like . But I'd rather learn something that perhaps an actual company would use.
Made good progress today. Found useful program after you comb through 380 lines. From this I created more basic 70 line program that is easier to digest and build from. I like to learn the basics with simple examples. You know I don't wany to start with the Sistine Chapel when learning to paint.